September Birthstone - The Sapphire

What is the birthstone for September?

The birthstone for September is sapphire. Sapphires are members of the gem species corundum, which contains the ‘Big Three’ - sapphire, rubies, and emeralds. The name “sapphire” comes from the Latin “sapphirus” and the Greek word “sappheiros” meaning “blue stone.”

September Birthstone History

The September birthstone is seen as a symbol of wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. With a history dating back to ancient civilizations, their enduring popularity persists and is culturally significant.

During the Middle Ages, sapphires represented heaven. Now, sapphires are widely recognized as symbols of royalty. Kings and queens adorned themselves with sapphires as protective talismans. In modern times, sapphires have ascended to prominence, such as Prince Charles’s gift of a sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana.

In the 1990s, Madagascar led the world in sapphire gemstone production, taking over from Australia who had a significant source of sapphires before the deposits were found in Madagascar.

In 1990, J P Morgan, a wealthy banker, commissioned George Frederick Kunz, the esteemed gemologist, to assemble some of the most spectacular gems in the world for the Paris Exposition. The Star of India, was among those chosen by Mr. Kunz for J P Morgan’s collection. It is a 563 carat Star Sapphire, one of the largest ever discovered. After the Exposition, Morgan donated the gems to the American Museum of Natural History, where it stayed until 1964.

In 1902, synthetic sapphires were developed by a French chemist Auguste Verneuil. With a boom of synthetic sapphires, it unlocked industrial applications such as integrated circuits, satellite communication systems, high-durability windows, and scientific instruments.

Where Does Sapphire Come From?

Sapphire is mined mainly in Eastern Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, Madagascar, East Africa, and Montana, USA.

Many of the most famously beautiful blue sapphires come from Kashmir, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The mines from these areas are renowned for their gems. In 1881, sapphires were discovered in Kashmir after a landslide high in the Himalayas exposed a large pocket of velvety “cornflower” blue crystals.The sapphires from Kashmir has a reputation as one of the world’s most coveted. 

Sapphire mine of U Mya Mg at Khabine, near Gwebin, Mogok, Burma. In February of 1994. (Photo: U Khin Mg Win)

Beliefs and Myths

1. Ancient Greece (750 BC - AD 600)

• In ancient Greece, sapphires were associated with Zeus, god of the blue sky, and his son Apollo, god of the sun and prophecy.
• Oracles wore sapphires to enhance their ability to see into the future. When visiting the famous oracle in Delphi, sapphires were often worn due to the belief that sapphires are connected to the spirit world.

Oracle at Delphi

2. Ancient Persia (559 B.C.E. to 331 B.C.E.)

• Ancient Persians had a belief that Blue Sapphires were actually chips from a huge pedestal that supported the earth. They thought that the heavens were blue because the air reflected the hue of a massive sapphire that held up the Earth.

3. Middle Ages (476 AD - 1450)

• It was believed that sapphires represent the purity of the soul, and were therefore worn before and after the Middle Ages by Priests, Popes, Cardinals, and Bishops as protection from impure thoughts.

A papal tiara adorned with sapphires, rubies, emeralds and other gems, at the St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.

• Sapphires were given to wives of warriors in order to keep them faithful.
• Europeans believed they cured eye diseases and preserved chastity.

4. Bible

• Sapphires are referred to in the Bible twelve times.
• Some believed that the Ten Commandments were inscribed on a tablet made of the blue gem. Exodus 24:10 “and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.”

Moses with the ten commandments

5. Hindu Mythology

• The Kalpavriksha is a wish-fulfilling divine tree, described as being made up of precious stones. The fruits of the tree are Rubies, the base of the trunk is Diamond, and the roots of the tree are made of precious Sapphires.

Wall painting of Kalpavruksha in Saavira Kambada Basadi, Moodbidri, Karnataka

• Hindus used sapphire in offerings in the temples
• In an ancient Hindu text, Garuda Purana, there is a story that says that when God defeated a powerful monster, his body parts scattered and fell on Earth. His teeth became the pearls of seas, bones became diamonds and eyes became the sapphires.

6. Spiritual Properties

• Iit was thought that the sapphire could act as a test of a woman's fidelity toward her husband. If a woman held the stone and it changed colour, that meant that she had been unfaithful.

7. Buddhist

• In the Buddhist tradition, sapphire was the 4th stone of Vishnu’s magical necklace. According to the epic of Ramayana, sapphires fell from the eyes of god Mahabali. The gemstone was a powerful symbol that could “open closed door, brings prayerful feelings and sounds the sweet bells of peace.” It was considered a gem of truth, friendship, and constancy; the rock that could inspire imagination and help the dreams come true.

Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi

8. Healing

• There are legends of the power of sapphire to heal physical wounds and disease. Simply placing a sapphire on a sapphire on the forehead was supposed to stop nosebleeds. Mixing the gemstone with milk was supposed to help sores and boils. People also made elixirs with sapphire to help calm the stomach and digestive tract and to heal internal ulcers.
• The first recorded mention of sapphires being used to heal eye complaints was in 1391.
• Charles V was known to wear a Sapphire set in a ring to touch people’s eyes and cure them of diseases, and several Pontiffs had similar items.

9. Astrology

• Astrologists today associate blue sapphire with the planet Saturn, and believe the gemstone to have healing properties, as well as encouraging truth, loyalty and wisdom.
• There are some superstitions related to witches and necromancers; sapphire, it is said, leverages the power of the "third eye" to make clear oracular utterances that would otherwise be impossible to hear or interpret. As a result, sapphires were popular with witches and necromancers because they were considered to allow them to glimpse their "third eye".

Sapphire Cleaning & Care

Sapphire is a durable gemstone that can stand up to daily wear. Although there are no special precautions that need to be taken with this gemstone, they still need to be handled with care and stored in a felt-lined jewellery storage box. The sapphire can be cleaned with a Jewellery Spray Cleaning Kit  or a Jewellery Cleaning Pen.

Sapphire Jewellery

1. Tru-Sapphire Quintet Ring

Add a touch of class and colour with this shimmering row of alternating Tru-Sapphire and ice white Tru-Diamonds™ stones Tru-Sapphire Quintet Ring. A truly timeless yet modern design that combines splendour with elegance.

2. Tru-Sapphire Octavia Ring

This impressive Tru-Sapphire Octavia Ring has an old-world elegance featuring a 4-carat emerald cut Tru-Diamonds™ in its centre setting, flanked by Tru-Sapphire baguettes and a flawlessly brilliant halo of shimmering gems.

3. Tru-Sapphire Cascade Bracelet

An elegant accessory for your wrist, our Tru-Sapphire Cascade Bracelet has a unique yet eye-catching look. This piece will make you stand out at any event.

4. Boldly Beautiful Tru-Sapphire Earrings

Dare to turn heads with these Boldly Beautiful Tru-Sapphire Earrings. These earrings, boasting an impressive 8 ct. t.w., showcase a pear - and a round brilliant cut Tru-Sapphire stone in each earring.

5. People’s Princess Earrings

Embrace true elegance when you wear the People’s Princess Earrings. These impressive yet classy earrings beautifully showcase our Tru-Sapphire stones surrounded by a glistening halo of Tru-Diamonds™ gems.

6. Sapphire Inspiration Pendant

Our Sapphire Inspiration Pendant is the statement piece you’ll love wearing every day! This elegant pendant features a 3.1 ct. t.w. Tru-Sapphire stone, crowned with a trio of flawless Tru-Diamonds™.

7. Royal Necklace

Our Royal Engagement Necklace has a perfectly cut oval-shaped Tru-Sapphire gem, with two pure ice white Tru-Diamonds™ set on a beautifully delicate chain in equal distances apart.

As we wrap up our journey through the enchanting world of sapphires, it's clear why this September birthstone has captured hearts for centuries. From its deep, mesmerising hues to its rich history and symbolic meanings, the sapphire is more than just a gemstone—it's a piece of art, a symbol of loyalty, wisdom, and nobility. Whether you're a September baby or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of this remarkable gem, the sapphire's allure is undeniable.